Dennis Thurman to be Jets defensive coordinat

Aaron Wilson

01/08/2013

Though Rex Ryan wouldn't reveal who the New York Jets' next defensive coordinator would be, it's believed that defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman will take over in that capacity, according to a report from the New York Daily News.

Thurman would replace Mike Pettine, who is interviewing for the same position with the Buffalo Bills. Pettine followed Ryan to New York from Baltimore, where he was an assistant from 2002-2008. Before becoming the Jets' head coach, Ryan was the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator.

Along with Pettine, the Jets also relieved offensive coordinator Tony Sporano and quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh of their duties.

Thurman became the Jets' defensive backs coach in 2009, after coaching in Ryan's unit in Baltimore. Thurman's 2009 group gave up the fewest passing yards in the league. Even though the 2012 Jets went 6-10 and battled injuries in the secondary all year, it finished the season seventh in the NFL, giving up just 133.6 passing yards per game.